-
Asia-Pacific
Thailand Is Considering Casinos
Thailand’s legislature is considering legalizing casino resorts, anticipating a potential increase of US$12 billion in tourism revenue. -
Asia-Pacific
Cambodia’s Tourism Rebound Strategy Is Focusing on Chinese Visitors
Cambodia’s tourism, rebounding to 82.5% of 2019 levels in 2023, aims to boost Chinese visitation, focusing on initiatives including potential mutual visa-free policies and increased flights. -
Asia-Pacific
Maldives Hotel Bookings Are Victims of Social Media Spat
China’s hotel RevPAR surged 56.1% year-over-year for the week ending December 30th, showing a significant recovery compared to the previous year’s decline. The Maldives experienced a backlash from Indian tourists, with a significant number of hotel booking and flight ticket cancellations, following offensive comments by Maldivian politicians against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Major hotel groups are announcing new projects and expansions, such as Accor’s partnership to launch Grande Mercure Jaipur Kukas in India, and Oberoi Group’s legal setback in Himachal Pradesh. -
Asia-Pacific
Accor Welcomes 23 Mercure and Grand Mercure Hotels in Japan
Accor is rebranding 23 Daiwa Resorts properties in Japan as Mercure and Grand Mercure hotels in 2024. The first Hyatt Place hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is now open, connected to Paradigm Mall. Swiss-Belhotel International rebranded an upscale property in Surabaya, Indonesia, as the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo. -
Asia-Pacific
Accor Is Full Speed Ahead on China
Singapore’s August visitation decreased by -7.8% compared to July, with 1.31 million visitors. Total eight-month arrivals remain nearly -30% lower than 2019. Accor SA aims to sign approximately 125 hotel partnership projects in China this year, with plans to introduce the Orient Express brand. Hilton plans to expand its Hilton Garden Inn brand throughout the Asia Pacific region, with a new regional room prototype introduced in Australia and New Zealand. -
Asia-Pacific
Macau’s Five-Star Hotels Are Back to 2019 Rates
China’s hotel RevPAR rose 44.3% in a week, compared to a strong 89.7% rise a year ago. RevPAR also increased by 12.3% compared to 2019. Vietnam’s flexible economy attracts investors despite short-term challenges. M&A deals increased, supported by lowered interest rates, with a positive medium-term outlook. Macao’s daily visitor arrivals exceeded expectations in August, reaching 139,000 in a day. Hotel occupancy rates rebounded, hosting numerous MICE events, and a new Andaz hotel is set to open. -
Asia-Pacific
Macau and Hong Kong Boom While Vietnam Slumps
Vietnam’s condotel market remains sluggish with excess inventory, unlikely to recover before 2025. Grand Ho Tram Strip casino resort introduces Ixora Ho Tram Fusion luxury residences to boost sales. Guangdong , China experiences high visa applications for Macau and Hong Kong due to increased tourism. -
Asia-Pacific
Chiang Mai Tourism Bounces Back
China hotel RevPAR in the week ending June 10th: Up 66.7% YoY, down 2.6% compared to 2019. Chiang Mai ‘s tourism industry recovering with increased hotel occupancy rates and visitor numbers. New developments in the hospitality industry: Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens in Jiuzhaigou , Bookmark Resorts announces first wellbeing resort, and Karl Lagerfeld hotel in Malaysia . -
Asia-Pacific
Chinese Domestic Tourism Surges During May Day Holiday
Chinese domestic tourism rebounds strongly, reaching 119% of pre-pandemic levels during the May Day holiday, while international travel remains slow. Fitch Ratings highlights the encouraging recovery trajectory of the domestic tourism industry, driven by pent-up demand and limited outbound flight options. Despite the increase in domestic trips, spending remains nearly flat due to factors such as low-income travelers, visits to lower-tier cities, and short-distance trips. -
Asia-Pacific
Saudi Arabia Signs to Get IHG, Accor and Rotana Hotels
STR reported China hotel data for the week ended May 6. Hotel RevPAR in China was up 140.9% year over year. The South China Morning Post said Macau’s casinos are still struggling with finding labor as hotel rooms stay shut and the resorts are unable to fully satiate the booming demand from mainland China tourists . Araiya Hotels and Resorts and Kamakhya Hospitality Services Private Limited announced plans for a new urban resort Soul by Araiya, Dharamshala, A Kamakhya Hotel , anticipated to open in Q4 2023.